You are here:

Asthma: Educating Yourself and Your Child

Topic Overview

Educating yourself and your family about
asthma is essential for you and your child to have
control of the disease. If you understand asthma, you will have an easier time
following the different aspects of treatment, such as avoiding substances that
cause symptoms (triggers) and knowing what to do during an
asthma attack.

Educate yourself or your child about:

Asthma. Learn all that you can from your doctor about asthma, such as the long-term effects of not treating asthma
and the best ways for you or your child to manage the disease.

Medicines. Learn all that you can about how each of
your medicines or your child's medicines helps to treat asthma. Find out
about side effects that may occur and what to do if side effects become
bothersome.

Part of education is effectively communicating what you don't
understand and what you are concerned about.

Always ask questions when you don't understand
something about the treatment.

Discuss any fears and concerns that
you or your child may have regarding treatment.

Tell your doctor if treatment is disrupting your life; you may be able to find
another way to treat your asthma with less disruption.

Tell your
doctor if treatment is not helping asthma attacks.

Tell your doctor if you are not able to follow any
aspect of your treatment.

If your child has asthma, you may want to talk with teachers and
other school officials about asthma. They can help your child follow his or her
treatment plans. You should have a copy of your child's
asthma action plan (which tells what to do during an
asthma attack) on file in the school office, with the school nurse, and with
sports coaches so that school staff will know what to do if your child has an
attack at school.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.